SOCIAL Costa Mesa

SOCIAL Costa Mesa Restaurant Review:

You won’t find this happening Costa Mesa restaurant among the other hipster-fueled eateries along 17th Street --- it’s a couple blocks north and it anchors an otherwise nondescript strip mall. However, it captures that same trendy vibe, with light bulb-studded signs, rustic woods and vintage movies playing on TVs perched above the bar. Executive chef Jeffrey Boullt returns after a spell away to serve up New American fare filtered through seasonality and slight global influences, as seen in share plates such as the Peruvian bay scallops and braised lamb empanadas, as well as mains like the skirt steak with huancaina and yucca fries. Other options like the Wagyu beef tartare, smoked bone marrow with bacon jam, or the must-have crunchy roll-esque cauliflower with sweet soy and dynamite sauce demonstrate that familiar or trendy items don't have to be mundane. Desserts are highlighted by the brown butter budino. The bar program whips up craft libations that demonstrate progressive ideas. On the weekends, the locals swing by to indulge in classic brunch offerings and craft coffee creations such as the Coco Loco, a cold brew concoction with fresh coconut cream, coconut milk and house turmeric.